Cleveland Browns football may not be expected to do much in 2010, but they are continuing to put more pieces together.
Today, the Browns acquired former Pro Bowl DB Sheldon Brown and LB Chris Gocong from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for LB Alex Hall and a 4th and 5th round pick in the 2010 draft.
This leaves both teams with 10 total picks in April's 3-day draft.
With this trade, the Browns finally get a talented corner to put alongside Eric Wright, who has slowly come into his own in his three years in Cleveland.
In addition, this allows Cleveland to put DB Brandon McDonald in the Nickel position, a role most feel he will be better suited for.
Brown, 31, had trade demands after feeling he wasn't being payed enough in Philly, especially playing alongside Asante Samuel.
But despite his unhappiness, Brown had five interceptions in 2009 and was a key cog in a talented Eagles defense.
Gocong has been unproductive in his years in Philadelphia.
But Mike Holmgren and GM Tom Heckert, former Eagles' GM, feel that Gocong's skillset as a pass rusher might better suit him as an OLB in the 3-4 defense.
The need for a pass rusher is also critical after trading OLB Kamerion Wimbley to Oakland for a 3rd round pick.
The Browns still have Matt Roth after picking him up off of waivers in the middle of 2009.
The trade means the Browns are no longer obligated to draft Florida DB Joe Haden with the 7th pick.
They still might depending on the situation, but they have more flexibility should Tennessee S Eric Berry fall, or if they want to trade down for Texas S Earl Thomas.
But at this point, expect both the Eagles and the Browns to be very active in the draft.
Written by:
